If it stops altogether, you have a blowel obstruction, which can be structural, like a tumor or functional, meaning the normal peristalsis or movement in the GI tract has stopped. This will cause discomfort at first, then bloating, distention with stool and gas, pain, inability to eat, and often fever. The pain is crampy and can be severe if there is obstruction. Obstruction can be caused by a fecal impaction in the case of severe constipation. Anyone having these symptoms should see their Dr.